Page 28 - Power & Data Connectivity Expand Electronic Capabilities eBook

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Reversible mating also makes it possible to easily replace components. With the reduction of installation space and weight, an electrical interface, and a contact resistance, a potential source of error as well as an assembly process are omitted. The thermal load of an FR4 printed circuit board, caused by a soldering process or the use of additional devices for a press-fit process, is also eliminated.
Robust and reliable locking system
The SmartSKEDD connector comes in two model versions. Both direct connectors are exceptionally robust.
Three solid pins on each housing guarantee secure positioning and prevent mismating. Each side of the connector features two snap-fits that lock the connector tightly onto the PCB. The geometry of the snap-fits also varies to hold firmly on different board thicknesses. To release the connector, simply press on this primary lock. The retaining forces are roughly more than 50 N.
If a secondary lock is needed, as is the case for many automotive applications under the LV 214 standard, or the application just needs that extra measure of retention, the second SmartSKEDD model features a pre-assembled central pin. This pin increases the retaining force of the entire system to almost 100 N. Again, this assembly is tool- free; it is delivered and pinned in the locked position. This central pin then additionally locks into the printed circuit board and reliably secures the connector. During servicing, a simple screwdriver is sufficient to turn the pin from the “lock” position to the “release” position.
In general, the connector was designed to be holistically robust throughout the connector life cycle. In particular, the focus was on tolerance management (production, assembly, contacting), assembly, packaging, and transport. The spring contacts are also geometrically optimized (spring leg symmetry) and have a silver coating.
IDT provides superior benefits for many industries
Whether board-to-board, wire-to-board, or component-to-board, directly pluggable and detachable connections can be made anywhere, including novel locations such as on the center or the rear of the PCB. The advantages in series processing are enormous, due in part to eliminating the need for soldering.